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Is Hype About Forthcoming NC400 Based Amps Worthy

I've read great praise for the Hypex N-Core Class D amp modules and some mighty hyped praise and major claims regarding the "superior nature" of some NC400-based amps that are currently under development by some key designer/developers (e.g.: supposedly better than major league class A A/B designs...). I wonder if the hype is actually worthy from a consumer standpoint rather than a marketing/promotional standpoint...

I wonder if a $2,500 NC400-based amp design can actually best a moderately-priced class A/B solid state amp design - as purported by recent claims within the industry (i.e.: would a $2,500 NC400-based class d amp be a sonic upgrade to a relatively new designed $6,000 solid state Class A/B amp...)?

This is a pertinent question if one is considering an amp upgrade today...Is it reasonable to assume that waiting up to a year for the release of some of these NC400-based amps will be worthwhile (i.e."is the hype too good to be true?")

_Ben
2chnlben
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=102

There is a power supply too:

http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=101&Itemid=103

Most people, me included, buy two NC400 and two SMPS600 and create dual mono in one or two chassis, depending on preferred config.

My purchase for all parts, duties, and shipping costs, including currency conversion came to $1351. The binding posts, IEC, power switch and XLR inputs can vary in price but will not run the price up significantly unless you range into the overkill zone. Cases also range in price but can be had for under $100 each.
If you build your own, you're done spending. If you hire somebody for assembly, as I did, you'll spend around $100 for each mono block.

Pretty good deal for an amp the constantly gets mentioned in best available arguments.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Well Nick do not misunderstand me. All I meant as regard to the cases are that they most likely will benefit from vibration control. This comes from trail during listening impressions with the NC400. Again the improvement was heard by group of audio skeptics and all heard the improvement. Go figure. Or possible a different case.

Marakanetz, they are truly balanced and really sound their best by using only the balanced connections. Of course they still sound very good single ended but are optimized for XLR.

If you go to the following you can find what you will need.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/vendors-bazaar/190434-hypex-ncore.html
http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89
http://www.hypex.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=100&Itemid=102
https://www.hypexshop.com/
http://merrillaudio.net/index.html
http://www.mola-mola.nl/
http://www.acousticimagery.com/
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=197.0

The Mola-Mola is Hypex own product but they have yet to release anything.This is by no means a definitive list.

If you have any questions let me know and good luck.

tulz43
3 posts
 
I'm a little late to the party... but are Ncore powered amps still all the rage?
rsimms
150 posts
 
I have NCore NC400 amps with Aluminati cases. They are the real deal. Heavy cases with shielding do make a difference. They are very neutral and transparent. They will let you hear the quality of the other components in your system better than almost any other amp. They will not fix any tone problems you have in other components though.

Bob
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Tulz43, they will be even more so as more OEM versions are released over the next 6 to 12 months.
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